Friday, March 24, 2006

The weekly Joe Friday's Question and Answer over at Newsarama had a question about Joe's progress on the upcoming Ultimates 3 run.

NEWSARAMA: Like his former Cliffhanger mate - Joe Madureira - before him, Jeff Campbell obviously brings also questions regarding his ÂpaceÂ. First of all, how are things going with Madureira? Here is your opportunity to align expectations with how many Loeb/Mad issues of Ultimates 3 readers are likely to see, and how often when the book launches later this summer (is that right?)

Joe Quesada: Actually, what just occurred to me is that we now have all three Cliffhanger boys working at Marvel, Ramos, Madureira, and Campbell.

Joe is doing well on his schedule so far, all fingers are crossed, but itÂs still a little early to make predictions as to scheduling and absolute ship dates. What I can tell you is that the work is just unbelievable! Mad has grown so far beyond the great artist he was already. And while the style of work is 180 degrees from what Bryan Hitch does, itÂs just as detailed and intricate.

On a related note, don't you think it's weird how all the members of "Cliffhanger" (Joe Madureira, Jeff Scott Campbell, Humberto Ramos) are all back at Marvel now doing projects? I remember when they banded together and left Marvel to their thier own comic line, ah those were the good ol' days.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Today it was announced that THQ has acquired Joe Madureira's game company Vigil Games! Here's an excerpt from Chron.com.

THQ Inc. today announced the acquisition of Vigil Games. Based in Austin, Texas, the team at Vigil will be led by David Adams, previously creator/director of several projects for NCSoft and famed comic artist Joe Madureira, best known for his work on Marvel Comic's Uncanny X-Men and his creator-owned comic series Battle Chasers. Vigil is currently working on new content for next-gen scheduled for release in 2008.

"The team at Vigil is comprised of some of the most talented designers, artists and technologists in the industry," said Jack Sorensen, executive vice president of worldwide studios, THQ. "This acquisition is part of our Studio System strategy, which is designed to foster a singular vision and unique culture at each of our studios. Our system allows us to leverage resources across our entire development organization to the benefit of each of our studios."

"When evaluating publisher opportunities, our goal was to find a partner that provided unmatched global marketing and sales expertise," said David Adams, General Manager, Vigil Games. "We were pleased to learn that THQ's value proposition to developers doesn't stop there. Our team will also benefit from the company's unique Studio System approach and development outsourcing program."

Vigil's first project -- a totally original property for next-gen systems -- is expected to be announced later this year.

Hopefully this will have a positive outcome for Joe and he will finally get a game with his name on it released.